CLC’s spring 2014 international film series announced

Four international films will be presented for free on Friday nights this spring by the College of Lake County Center for International Education. The films begin at 7 p.m. in room A162 (Anderson lecture hall) on the CLC Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St.

The film titles, country of origin, release year and screening dates are: “Amour” (France, 2012) on Feb. 7, “Rust and Bone” (France, 2012) on March 7, “No” (Chile, 2012) on April 4 and “The Act of Killing” (Denmark/Indonesia, 2013) on May 2.

“Amour” (France, 2012) on Feb. 7. According to film series organizer Chris Cooling, “This is perhaps the most acclaimed film we’ve ever shown in our series.” The film won Palme d’Or at Cannes and an Oscar for best foreign film. It was nominations for best picture, director, actress and screenplay Academy Awards. “Amour” is also a wonderful introduction to contemporary master Michael Haneke (“Funny Games,” “The White Ribbon”). A deceptively simple premise – an elderly couple attempts home care after the wife has a stroke – becomes devastating through its unflinching attention to detail and commentary on the true, ultimate nature of romantic commitment.

“Rust and Bone” (France, 2012) on March 7. A timeless premise – two damaged souls falling in love–becomes a primal celebration of life thanks to director Jacques Audiard (“A Prophet”). After a debilitating injury, Stephanie finds comfort and meaning with Sam, an unemployed underground boxer. Intensely physical style becomes philosophical content in a movie that was universally praised for Marion Cotillard’s frank performance. Her “proud and pleading gaze would have made her a star in the silent era, and (her) emotional yield is so unstinting that she seems to be acting a nude scene even when fully clothed.” -The New Yorker.

“No” (Chile, 2012) on April 4. In 1988, Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet offers his people the appearance of democracy by allowing them to vote for his re-election. A small committee for the “no” vote struggle against popular apathy, until they enlist a youthful advertising executive to stir up the electorate, with hilarious, fascinating results. Director Pablo Larrain’s follow-up to “Tony Manero” was summed up this way in The Globe and Mail: “Take the backroom political machinations of ‘Lincoln,’ add in the showbiz sleight of hand of ‘Argo’ and you’ll get something like ‘No’ … cunning and richly enjoyable.”

“The Act of Killing” (Denmark/Indonesia, 2013) on May 2. Documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer invites Indonesia’s Anwar Congo to re-enact a murderous anti-communist coup by his paramilitary group in the 1960s. Recipient of the 2013 PUMA Impact Award, the film was praised by the PUMA jury for its “brave brilliance” and “almost single handedly opening the powerful dialogue on Indonesia’s genocide.”

The films have subtitles when necessary, include adult content and are not suitable for children. For more information, contact Chris Cooling, CLC film instructor, at (847) 543-2623.